What should I do with this??

Question

I have two old dressers I would
Like to refinish and use in my craft room, I am open to anything, what should I do?

Cori Warner · Answer

I would cut the tall one down so it's the same size as the short one. Cut from the top, so the detailing on the bottom is the same. Then you could put them side-by-side to use for storage, or at each end of a long desk. You could use pre-fab laminate countertop as a top for them if you wanted them to look built-in. If you really want a built in look, remove the baseboards behind them and mount to the wall. These look like they aren't real wood, so you will need to use a good primer on them before you paint them. If you want to keep the mirror, consider replacing the glass with cork for a bulletin board.I used this idea in my daughter's room in our first house, and it looked awesome!

Cynthia H · Answer

If you want to paint them, I would suggest some good prep first (a light sanding will serve you well) then a good paint with primer (I like the dual paints and primers such as Glidden makes). Get creative with the finish - the variety of color and techniques are only limited by how much time you want to spend. I'm very impressed with some of the transfers and posters people use to create one of a kind pieces. I'm not fond of chalk paint, but, have had good success with the name brand flat and satin paints. If you aren't quite sure of color, go to a good place like Home Depot or Lowes and find something you like and get a small sample paint to try. I usually end up using the sample paints to prep a piece or to do a small piece if I don't go with that color for something larger. Either way, it never goes to waste.

Tracy Osborne · Answer

I like Cori's idea. I would paint it with Annie Sloan chalk paint and add some pretty knobs.

Adrianne C · Answer

You could cover them with wallpaper too.

Marianne · Answer

Chalk paint! I love it, you clean your piece (no sanding required) than paint and wax. I would also find new drawer pulls or refinish them.

Terri W · Answer

I'd use crackling paint, or antique it, so on the edges a different color comes through... http://www.diylife.com/2010/11/08/crackled-paint-faux-finish-with-glue/ http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-i-paint-and-distress-dresser-in.html

Barbara Snell · Answer

Anne Sloan chalk paint and change the pulls. Check out Hobby Lobby or go vintage.

Diane · Answer

Paint the cabinets neutral, but paint each drawer face a funky color decorated to reflect the craft supplies housed in each one. It is, after all, a craft room and crafts are FUN!

Kathy · Answer

remove the drawers, paint. place baskets in openings and store your stuff. Cover the top for use of cutting your craft items. Hang a strip with hooks that you can hang scissors, etc. from just above top. Everything in one place!

Michele Eures · Answer

Not sure I can help with suggestions that are as good as what the other talented posters gave, but I can't help but notice the pulls on these dressers. I just finished a dresser with the exact same pulls!! I was going to change them but once I tried them on the drawer I really like them. I hope you can seen them in this pic. The lighting wasn't very good.

Kim Siekmann · Answer

do you have a fireplace?

Jane · Answer

These dressers have great bones and I love Michele's idea....

Lindamangham · Answer

paint in a motif that would accentuate those cute knobs! could section the drawers to accommodate your craft items - I think they look large enough for that

118330 · Answer

My daughter had a sewing table that looked like it was made out of the same materials. She primed it with Zinsser Primer, painted it black and added glass knobs. Quite the transformation! Chalk paint would be good to use too.

Kris · Answer

Remember, if you like the shape of your existing hardware, you can easily spray paint it to get the exact color you want...very inexpensive compared to buying new pulls!

Ida Granny · Answer

I would go with the chalk paint, dark red. I think it then would be an eye catcher. Good luck with what ever you do. Like to see it posted done.

Carole · Answer

I would go for the ombre effect - pick a colour and go with it - from light shade to dark on the drawers. Or, use chalk board paint and then you can write on each drawer what is in there - saves time looking for stuff when you want to get on with your crafting. I see these pieces are different heights and too tall to put a board across to make a desk from, but if anyone has similar problem with two pieces the same height that would be suitable for desk height, that would be another idea. They look like they are veneer rather than wood surface, so if you paint, be sure to sand well and use the appropriate type of paint that will adhere well to veneer shiny surfaces. Good luck and would love to see what you come up with!

Carole · Answer

BTW - keep the mirror. You can use it elsewhere in your home. I would suggest making a simple wooden frame - could stain or paint it before attaching using some glue that is suited to glass and timber - need to use the right glue - check the labels at the hardware store. That mirror could be made to look great if you add a frame to it. Why waste a good mirror? Use a mitre box to cut the corner angles on the wood so they fit properly and then glue is your best friend for attaching to the glass. Mitre boxes are cheap to purchase at hardware store if you don't already have one and enable you to make cuts at different angles with a hand saw.

Martha · Answer

Are there 2? One pic looks like 3 drawers and the other 4 drawers. I like pretty rather than 'funky.'  I'm not fond of the pulls, but if you like them you might consider rubbing them with one of the finishes made for metal, like Rub N Buff. Another idea I like is chalkboard paint on the drawer fronts so you can write the contents on it. The chalkboard stickers (Martha Stewart) might work for that, too.

Bernice H · Answer

I like the pulls! You can decide after you make the big decision about paint color. But you can paint the pulls also. yup I do like them.

Tracey · Answer

If I were to reuse them and not for crafts, I think they would be great painted in white and then get new pulls obviously all that match in an early American look.

Colleen · Answer

I'm not so sure which direction you want to go, but I thought of a few things for you: Are the two cabinets the same height? If not raise the shorter one with a bace to raise it to match the other. Put the pieces back to back. Place a single piece of wood on top to make a large working surface area. Paint, stain what ever finish to bring the two togather and replace the knobs and pulls with matching ones (or locate one for the missing pull). Because the drawers look deep, maybe make some trays that will stack and roll inside to maximize your storage. Place the mirroron a wall opposite a window to generate more natural light, creating a brighter room.

Carol · Answer

I have seen them take the drawers out and use baskets for crafts, art projects, extra pantry storage, office supplies etc. 
 They repaint or distress the dresser itself. I love the mirror, if you want to remove it and use in another location, you can frame it or just use it plain. you can also use it like a dry erase board.

Denise Hardy · Answer

Hi Mayl - I would do one of two things if you want to use them in your Craft Room. 1. I would paint them in whatever colour you like i.e. pastels, brights etc - depending on what colours you already have - if you like red - how about a nice gloss red or, just cream or white etc etc. I would definitely change the handles possibly to glass ones - fill in the holes of the old ones and rub down to a flat finish before you start painting. You could give them an antiquey effect or just plain. You can use either an Eggshell paint or Annie Sloans chalk paint, the Eggshell, personally is more hard wearing and easily washable. I have my own French Antique style (which you can see on http://www.decorativeideas.co.uk - if you like this finish. I use Zinsser BIN primer - 2 coats of this. Next is 2 coats of Magnolia Eggshell and then I use Bri-Wax - put on with a brush but only lightly and then buff it up with like a 'terry towelling' type fabric to bring it to a beautiful sheen. If you just want a gloss finish on it - then you can purchase eggshell in whatever colour you like. 2. This is something I haven't done myself yet, but have been thinking about it - and that is to use fabric - cover the whole of the unit with some really nice fabric that you like - apart from the back - unless the back is going to be seen! And.. put some nice glass handles on your drawers. Under the fabric you will need to use some wadding/batting, if you wish, to make it 'padded'. Have a look at the photos below and these websites - this first one is done in faux suede, but you could also perhaps use faux leather or just some pretty fabric that you may find? :) If you happen to have any raw edges - just use gimp or braid :) http://www.taylorllorentefurniture.com/leather-upholstered-drawers-nc230.htm ; Here is how you could do it :) http://www.ehow.com/how_12157499_diy-upholstered-dresser.html Anyway, hope the above gives you some ideas and inspiration and good luck :)

Amy Henriksen · Answer

Are they real wood or a Formica type product? If Formica, you need to research how to prep for paint as it will just peel off. You could ombre the drawers, paint cabinet white. You can paint the cabinet a fun color and leave the drawers wood. Something I did in my son's room is just st pull the drawers out and use as a book shelf. We laid the books on their sides. If you pull the drawers out and there isn't a 'bottom' home improvement stores carry a thin board that will work. You could add baskets or not.

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